Check Travel Visa Requirements

Citizen of:

Traveling to:

Types of Visas for Temporary Visitors

There are different types of nonimmigrant visas for temporary visitors who wish to travel to the U.S., if the applicants are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent residents. The type of visa required under U.S. immigration law is determined by the purpose of your intended travel and other facts. It is significant to have information about the type of nonimmigrant visa you will need for travel, and the steps required to apply for the visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Review the chart below, it has information on some of the most applied categories of nonimmigrant visas for traveling to the US. For more detailed information specific to each visa category, including how-to-apply information and more, select a link from the Visa Type column below.

Visa B1

This visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for travelers who wish to enter the United States temporarily for business purpose (B-1) or for pleasure, tourism or medical treatment (B-2). For how-to-apply information, documentation requirements and more, Please read below:

Overview

In general, a resident of a foreign country who desires to travel to the United States must first attain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visa category B-1 is for Visitor who want to enter the United States temporarily for business, However for tourism, pleasure or visiting the category B-2 is to be applied, or if the travel comprises of a combination of both purposes, then a B-1/B-2 visa is to be applied.

Below are some examples of activities which are permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1):

consult with business associates

attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference

settle an estate

negotiate a contract

Tourism and Visit (B-2):

tourism

vacation (holiday)

visit with friends or relatives

medical treatment

participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations

participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating

enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation).

Visa Waiver Program

Travelers coming to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less from qualified countries may be eligible to visit the U.S. without a visa also, if they meet the visa waiver program requirements. Select Visa Waiver Program to learn more, and find out if you meet the visa waiver requirements.

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some activities that require a different category of visa and cannot performed while on a visitor visa:

Study

Employment

Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience

Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft

Work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, and other information media

There are quite a few steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please use the link for the embassy or consulate website to consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Complete the Online Visa Application

Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained below

Digital photos are required for some visa categories, while photos in physical form are required for other visa categories. The acceptance or rejection of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We highly recommend you to use a professional visa photo service so that your photo meets all the requirements and your visa application does not gets delayed or rejected due to the photograph.

Size should be such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Taken within the last 6 months.

Should have a plain white or off-white background

Full-face view directly facing the camera

With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open

Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis

Uniforms should not be worn, except religious clothing that is worn daily by you.

Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.

If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.

Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

If you are age:

Than an interview is:

13 and younger

Generally not required

14-79

Required (some exceptions for renewals)

80 and older

Generally not required

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

Fees - You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.

To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

An applicant need to gather and prepare a set of documents before reaching the interview venue:

Passport:- An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).

If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.

Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview

Photo - You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don't forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.

Additional Documentation Which May Be Required

To ascertain if you are qualified, the embassy or the consulate may request additional documents from you. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:-

The purpose of your trip;

Your intent to depart the U.S. after your trip; and/or

Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

B-2:- Tourism and Visit

tourism

vacation (holiday)

visit with friends or relatives

medical treatment

participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations

participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating

enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation).

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done on while on a visitor visa:

study

employment

paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience

arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft

work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, and other information media

permanent residence in the U.S.

Visa Waiver Program

Travelers coming to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less from qualified countries may be eligible to visit the U.S. without a visa if they meet the visa waiver program requirements. Select Visa Waiver Program to learn more, and find out if you meet the visa waiver requirements.

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some activities that require a different category of visa and cannot performed while on a visitor visa:

Study

Employment

Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience

Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft

Work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, and other information media

There are quite a few steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please use the link for the embassy or consulate website to consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained below

Digital photos are required for some visa categories, while photos in physical form are required for other visa categories. The acceptance or rejection of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We highly recommend you to use a professional visa photo service so that your photo meets all the requirements and your visa application does not gets delayed or rejected due to the photograph.

Size should be such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Taken within the last 6 months.

Should have a plain white or off-white background

Full-face view directly facing the camera

With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open

Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis

Uniforms should not be worn, except religious clothing that is worn daily by you.

Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.

If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.

Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

If you are age:

Than an interview is:

13 and younger

Generally not required

14-79

Required (some exceptions for renewals)

80 and older

Generally not required

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

Fees - You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.

To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

An applicant need to gather and prepare a set of documents before reaching the interview venue:

Passport:- An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).

If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.

Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview

Photo - You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don't forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.

Additional Documentation Which May Be Required

To ascertain if you are qualified, the embassy or the consulate may request additional documents from you. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:-

The purpose of your trip;

Your intent to depart the U.S. after your trip; and/or

Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

If you are traveling for a medical treatment in the U.S., the consular officer may ask for some further documents which you will be required to carry with you at your visa interview, the documents may include:

Medical diagnosis from a local physician, this should explain the nature of your illness and the reason you need treatment in the U.S.

Letter from a physician or medical facility in the U.S., stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment for which you are visiting the U.S., and detailing the projected length and cost of the treatment (including doctor's fees, hospitalization fees, and all the medical-related expenses).

Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the U.S. will be paid. You will have to produce your or the person's or organization paying for your treatment bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a program started by the United States Government, as per which nationals of 36 VWP participating countries can descend to the United States for business and tourism purpose for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. US government initiated this program to annihilate unnecessary roadblocks of traveling, expanding the US tourism industry and to facilitate the Authorities of states to habituate their consular resources in other important areas. The Visa Waiver Program has made visiting the United States an easy and simple process for the millions of visitors with machine readable passports.

Eligible Countries

Following are the 36 eligible nations that were designated by United States Secretary of Homeland Security-

Andorra

Hungary

New Zealand

Australia

Iceland

Norway

Austria

Ireland

Portugal

Belgium

Italy

San Marino

Brunei

Japan

Singapore

Czech

RepublicLatvia

Slovakia

Denmark

Liechtenstein

Slovenia

Estonia

Lithuania

Finland

South Korea

Sweden

the Netherlands

France

Malta

Luxembourg

Monaco

Germany

Switzerland

Greece

Spain

United Kingdom

ESTA

ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization which comes under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA permits the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to pre- screen every foreign national visitor who is travelling to the US under VWP. To possess the gains of VWP, the applicant must have a valid authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). You can apply online for an ESTA through the Travel Affairs Limited if you have a passport from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) eligible country.

Every electronic authorization is valid for up to two years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first.

The ESTA Travel Authorization is not a visa.

One can apply for a Travel Authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure.

The Travel Authorization application process is overseen and operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The program applies to the 50 U.S. states as well as the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.

To be eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) you must:

Have a valid passport lawfully issued to you by a Visa Waiver Program country;

Have authorization to travel via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization;

Intend to enter the United States for 90 days or less for business, pleasure or transit;

Arrive via a Visa Waiver Program signatory carrier;

Have a return or onward ticket;

Travel may not terminate in contiguous territory or adjacent islands unless the traveler is a resident of one of those areas;

Be a national of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries.

Visa D

Overview

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Crewmember (D) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons working on board vessels (such as cruise liner or fishing ship) or international airlines in the United States; their employment is required for normal operation and services. You must intend to depart the United States on the same vessel or any other vessel within 29 days. If you travel to the United States to join the vessel you will work on, in addition to a crewmember (D) visa, you also need a transit (C-1) visa or a combination C-1/D visa.

Travel purposes which require Crewmember (D) Visas - Examples:

pilot or flight attendant on a commercial airplane

captain, engineer, or deckhand on a sea vessel

lifeguard, cook, waiter, beautician, or other service staff on a cruise ship

trainee on board a training vessel

Travel purposes not permitted on Crewmember (D) Visas - Examples:

You do not qualify for a Crewmember Visa if:

You may be able to apply for the following visa category:

Coasting officer: You are a replacement coasting officer employed when an officer of a foreign vessel is granted home leave, and the vessel does not remain in U.S. waters for more than 29 days.

B-1

Dry dock: The primary services you will perform are dry dock repairs under warranty while the boat is docked at a U.S. port.

B-1

Fishing vessel: You are a crewmember on a temporary basis on a fishing vessel that has a home port or operating base in the United States.

H-2

Private yacht: You are a crewmember on a private yacht sailing out of a foreign port which will be cruising in U.S. waters for more than 29 days.

B-1

Outer Continental Shelf: You are a crewmember going to the Outer Continental Shelf.

There are quite a few steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please use the link for the embassy or consulate website to consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained below

Digital photos are required for some visa categories, while photos in physical form are required for other visa categories. The acceptance or rejection of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We highly recommend you to use a professional visa photo service so that your photo meets all the requirements and your visa application does not gets delayed or rejected due to the photograph.

Size should be such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Taken within the last 6 months.

Should have a plain white or off-white background

Full-face view directly facing the camera

With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open

Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis

Uniforms should not be worn, except religious clothing that is worn daily by you.

Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.

If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.

Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

If you are age:

Than an interview is:

13 and younger

Generally not required

14-79

Required (some exceptions for renewals)

80 and older

Generally not required

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

Fees - You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.

To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

An applicant need to gather and prepare a set of documents before reaching the interview venue:

Passport:- An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).

If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.

Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview

Photo - You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don't forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.

Additional Documentation Which May Be Required

To ascertain if you are qualified, the embassy or the consulate may request additional documents from you. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:-

The purpose of your trip;

Your intent to depart the U.S. after your trip; and/or

Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

An applicant may apply for a crewmember visa even if he/she is not employed at the time of your visa application. However, the visa can only be used for entry to a U.S. port if you are employed on the sea vessel or aircraft on which you arrive.

We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.

Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Therefore if you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States

Spouse and unmarried, minor children of the applicant may apply for visitor (B) visas to accompany you, if they will not perform services required for normal operation of the vessel.

If your spouse and/or children plan to enter the United States for another purpose, then they must apply for the visa category required for that purpose of travel.

Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Therefore if you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States

Crewmember (D) visa holders must depart the United States(continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) on a vessel within 29 days. You are not considered to have departed the United States until the vessel you are on travels to international waters destined to a foreign port.

The operating base is where the vessel takes on supplies regularly, where the cargo of the vessel is sold, or where the owner or master of the vessel engages in business transactions

H-1B Visa

Visa category

General description - About an individual in this category:

H-1B: Person in Specialty Occupation

To work in a specialty occupation. Requires a higher education degree or its equivalent. Includes fashion models of distinguished merit and ability and government-to-government research and development, or co-production projects administered by the Department of Defense.

H-2A: Temporary Agricultural Worker

For temporary or seasonal agricultural work. Limited to citizens or nationals of designated countries, with limited exceptions, if determined to be in the United States interest.

H-2B: Temporary Non-agricultural Worker

For temporary or seasonal non- agricultural work. Limited to citizens or nationals of designated countries, with limited exceptions, if determined to be in the United States interest.

H-3: Trainee or Special Education visitor

To receive training, other than graduate medical or academic, that is not available in the trainee's home country or practical training programs in the education of children with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities.

L: Intracompany Transferee

To work at a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the current employer in a managerial or executive capacity, or in a position requiring specialized knowledge. Individual must have been employed by the same employer abroad continuously for 1 year within the three preceding years.

O: Individual with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

For persons with extraordinary ability or achievement in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or extraordinary recognized achievements in the motion picture and television fields, demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim, to work in their field of expertise. Includes persons providing essential services in support of the above individual.

P-1: Individual or Team Athlete, or Member of an Entertainment Group

To perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete or as a member of an entertainment group. Requires an internationally recognized level of sustained performance. Includes persons providing essential services in support of the above individual.

P-2: Artist or Entertainer (Individual or Group)

For performance under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and an organization in another country. Includes persons providing essential services in support of the above individual.

P-3: Artist or Entertainer (Individual or Group)

To perform, teach or coach under a program that is culturally unique or a traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation. Includes persons providing essential services in support of the above individual.

Q-1: Participant in an International Cultural Exchange Program

For practical training and employment and for sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of your home country through participation in an international cultural exchange program.

Labor Certification - For some temporary worker visa categories, your prospective employer is required to obtain a labor certification or other approval from the Department of Labor on your behalf, this is to be done before filing the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS. Your prospective employer must review the Instructions for Form I-129 on the USCIS website to find out whether a labor certification is required for you or not.

Petition Approval - For some temporary worker categories only a limited number of petitions can be approved on a yearly basis. Before you can apply for a temporary worker visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, must be filed on your behalf by a prospective employer and be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For more information about the petition process, eligibility requirements by visa category, and numerical limits, if applicable, see Working in the U.S. and Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Workers on the USCIS website. Once the petition is approved, USCIS will send your prospective employer a Notice of Action, Form I-797.

You can only apply for a visa after the USCIS approves the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129). There are several steps in the visa application process. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained below

Digital photos are required for some visa categories, while photos in physical form are required for other visa categories. The acceptance or rejection of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We highly recommend you to use a professional visa photo service so that your photo meets all the requirements and your visa application does not gets delayed or rejected due to the photograph.

Size should be such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Taken within the last 6 months.

Should have a plain white or off-white background

Full-face view directly facing the camera

With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open

Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis

Uniforms should not be worn, except religious clothing that is worn daily by you.

Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.

If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.

Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

If you are age:

Than an interview is:

13 and younger

Generally not required

14-79

Required (some exceptions for renewals)

80 and older

Generally not required

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

You will be required to provide the receipt number that is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797, for scheduling an interview.

Fees - You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.

To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

L visa applicants included in a L blanket petition: You must also pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and may need to pay the Border Security Act fee. Select All Fees to learn more.

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

Passport:- An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).

If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.

Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview

Photo - You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don't forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.

Receipt Number for your approved petition as it appears on your Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797, from USCIS.

L Visa Applicants - If you are included in an L blanket petition, you must bringForm I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, to your interview.

H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B visa applicants should read the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet to learn about your rights in the United States and protection available to you. Review this important pamphlet before applying for your visa.

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions on how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified.

All visa applicants, except H-1B and L, will generally need to show proof of compelling ties to your home country to demonstrate your intent to return after your temporary stay in the United States. Examples of compelling ties include:

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

Do not take the approval of a petition as a visa approval, this does not guarantees that your visa will be issued. Please do not make any final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.

Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the U.S.

Do not take the approval of a petition as a visa approval, this does not guarantees that your visa will be issued. Please do not make any final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.

Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the U.S.

With the exception of Cultural Exchange Visitor Q-1 visa applicants, your spouse and unmarried, minor children may also apply for the same visa category as you to accompany you. Effective immediately, the U.S. embassies and consulates will judge the visa applications that are based on a same-sex marriage in the same way in which the applications for opposite gender spouses are adjudicated. Please refer to the specific guidance on the visa category for which you are applying for more details on documentation required for derivative spouses. You must be able to show that you will be able to financially support your family in the United States. For further information about visas for same-sex spouses, please see the FAQ's. For information about employment and study, review Temporary Workers information and Employment Authorization on the USCIS website.

Exchange Visitor - J /J-1Visa

Overview

In general, a resident of a foreign country who desires to travel to the United States must first attain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. As the name of the visa explains, the Exchange visitor (J-1) visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States.

Exchange Visitors Travel to US on Visa Waiver Program or on a Visitor Visas

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) participating countries who are intending to travel to US as Exchange visitors will not be permitted to travel without a J-1 visa. Exchange visitors are not permitted to travel on business/tourist (B1/B2) visas if their purpose is to participate in an exchange visitor program. All exchange visitors must travel to the United States with exchange visitor (J-1) visas.

Acceptance in Exchange Visitor Program

It is necessary to be accepted as an exchange visitor under an exchange visitor program through a designated sponsoring organization before you apply for a J-1 Visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate

You will only be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) once you are accepted into the exchange visitor program you plan to participate in. Most J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. (If the J-1 exchange visitor program you will participate in allows you to bring your spouse and/or children, they are not required to pay this fee.) Your program sponsor will provide you with a Form DS-2019 to present when you attend your visa interview. If your program allows your spouse and children to participate with you, they will be issued their own Form DS 2019 in order to apply for J-2 visas to accompany you. To learn more about the SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee please visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website.

There are quite a few steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please use the link for the embassy or consulate website to consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained below

Digital photos are required for some visa categories, while photos in physical form are required for other visa categories. The acceptance or rejection of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We highly recommend you to use a professional visa photo service so that your photo meets all the requirements and your visa application does not gets delayed or rejected due to the photograph.

Size should be such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Taken within the last 6 months.

Should have a plain white or off-white background

Full-face view directly facing the camera

With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open

Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis

Uniforms should not be worn, except religious clothing that is worn daily by you.

Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.

If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.

Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

If you are age:

Than an interview is:

13 and younger

Generally not required

14-79

Required (some exceptions for renewals)

80 and older

Generally not required

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

Fees – You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.

To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Note: U.S. Government sponsored exchange visitor (J visa) applicants and their dependents are not required to pay application processing fees if participating in a Department of State, a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or a Federally funded educational and cultural exchange program which has a program serial number beginning with G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7 printed on Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. U.S. Government sponsored exchange visitor (J visa) applicants and their dependents are also not required to pay applicable issuance fees.

An applicant need to gather and prepare a set of documents before reaching the interview venue:

Passport:- An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).

If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.

Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview

Photo – You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don’t forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.

Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019 – A SEVIS-generated Form DS-2019 is provided to you by your program sponsor after the sponsor enters your information in the SEVIS system. All exchange visitors, including their spouses and minor children, must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Each person receives a separate Form DS-2019.

Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 – In addition to the Form DS 2019, participants in the J-1 Trainee and Intern categories require Form DS 7002 (based on Box 7 on Form DS-2019). Learn more about the Trainee andIntern programs.

Legal Rights and Protections

You must read the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet to learn about your rights in the United States and protection available to you. Review this important pamphlet before applying for your visa.

Additional Documentation Which May Be Required

To ascertain if you are qualified, the embassy or the consulate may request additional documents from you. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:-

The purpose of your trip;

Your intent to depart the U.S. after your trip; and/or

Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Other documents the consular officer may request.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

When you agree to join in an Exchange Visitor Program and if your program falls under any of the categories explained below, you will be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence (foreign residence) requirement. This term means that you will be required to return to your home country for two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. This requirement is under the immigration law and is based on Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Two-year Home-country Physical Presence Requirement Conditions ;- If an exchange visitor falls under any of the below category, he/she is subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement

Government funded exchange program ;- The program in which the exchange visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the U.S. government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence;

Graduate medical education or training ;- The exchange visitor has entered the U.S. soil to receive graduate medical education or training;

Specialized knowledge or skill: Skills List ;- The exchange visitor is a national or permanent resident of a country which has deemed the field of specialized knowledge or skill necessary to the development of the country, as shown on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. Review the Exchange Visitor Skills List 2009.

Restrictions ;- When you, as an exchange visitor are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, you must return to your home country for a cumulative total period of at least two years before you can do any of the following:

Change status while in the U.S. to the nonimmigrant categories of temporary worker (H) or intracompany transferee (L);

Adjust status while in the U.S. to immigrant visa/lawful permanent resident status (LPR);

Receive an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate; or

Receive a temporary worker (H), intracompany transferee (L), or fiancé (K) visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Waiver of Two Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement ;- If an exchange visitor is not able to fulfill the home country presence requirement, he/she may be able to apply for a waiver. More information about how to apply is given below.

There are certain exchange visitors (J-1) who are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement which requires them to return to their home country for at least two years once their exchange visitor program ends. This is also known as the foreign residence requirement under U.S. law, Immigration and Nationality Act, section 212(e). However, if a person is unable to return to his/her home country to fulfill the two-year requirement, he/she must apply and obtain a waiver approved by the Department of Homeland Security prior to changing status in the U.S. or being issued a visa in certain categories for travel to the U.S

Select ;Eligibility Information for details about which J-1 exchange visitors are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement and whether a waiver of this requirement is available to you.

To request a recommendation for a waiver of the two-year home-country physical presence requirement from the Department of State’s Waiver Review Division, please Select Instructions and Online DS-3035 to learn more and access the online form

Visit the J Visa Waiver Online webpage to notify the Waiver Review Division of a change of address or contact information and to check the status of your waiver request.

F, M Visa

Overview

In general, a resident of a foreign country who desires to travel to the United States must first attain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States. To find out whether you need an F-1 visa or an M-1 visa, It will depend on your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend.

To enter the United States to attend:

You need the following visa category:

University or college

F

High School

Private elementary school

Seminary

Conservatory

Another academic institution, including a language training program

Vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program

M

Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas

Citizens of the counties which participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) who intend to study in the U.S. cannot travel on the VWP or on visitor (B) visas, except if they wish to undertake recreational study as part of their tourist visit. Students must travel to the United States with student (F-1 or M-1) visas. For more information on the VWP, see the FAQs for the Visa Waiver Program.

For short periods of recreational study, a Visitor (B) visa can be used

Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate, is permitted on a visitor (B) visa.
Study leading to a U.S. awarded degree or certificate is not permitted on a visitor (B) visa, even if it is for a short duration. For example, distance learning which requires a period of time on the institution’s U.S. campus requires an F-1 visa.

Student Acceptance at a SEVP Approved School

You can only apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for an F or M student visa after you submit an application with an SEVP approved school and have obtained an approval for the same from them. For further information and to learn more about the educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, opportunities for scholars, admissions, and more, please visit the Department of State Education USA website.

You will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) only after you are accepted by the U.S. school you plan to attend. After this you must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. In the next step forward, you will be provided with a Form I-20 by the U.S. school, which is to be presented to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview. If your spouse and/or children intend to stay/travel with you in the United States while you study, they have to obtain individual Form I-20s, but they are not required to pay the SEVIS fee. To learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee kindly visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website.

There are quite a few steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please use the link for the embassy or consulate website to consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained below

Digital photos are required for some visa categories, while photos in physical form are required for other visa categories. The acceptance or rejection of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We highly recommend you to use a professional visa photo service so that your photo meets all the requirements and your visa application does not gets delayed or rejected due to the photograph.

Your photos or digital images must be:

Color photos

Size should be such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Taken within the last 6 months.

Should have a plain white or off-white background

Full-face view directly facing the camera

With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open

Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis

Uniforms should not be worn, except religious clothing that is worn daily by you.

Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.

If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.

Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Generally interviews are not required for applicants of certain age group outlined below, However it is at the discretion of the consular officers to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

If you are age:

Than an interview is:

13 and younger

Generally not required

14-79

Required (some exceptions for renewals)

80 and older

Generally not required

An applicant is required to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live.

The waiting time for an interview appointment varies by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early.

New Students – F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. However, you will not be allowed to enter the U.S. in F-1 or M-1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date.

Continuing Students – Any student who is continuing his/her study in the U.S. can renew their visas at any time, as long as they have maintained student status and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before their classes start.

Fees – You have to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. For current fees structure for Department of State government services please click here. Once your visa is approved, you may also have to pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee if applicable to your nationality. To find out if you must pay a visa issuance fee please click here Visa Reciprocity Tables.

To learn more about fee payment please go through the instructions which are available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

An applicant need to gather and prepare a set of documents before reaching the interview venue:

Passport:- An applicant should poses a passport which is valid for travel to the U.S. The passport has to be valid for a minimum six months beyond your period of stay in the U. S. (for further information please click here on country-specific agreements).

If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.

Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview

Photo – You will have to upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, don’t forget to bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements above.

Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20A-B or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20M-N – Your school will send you a SEVIS-generated Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20. All students, their spouse and minor children if they intend to reside in the United States with the student, must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). Each person receives an individual Form I-20.

Additional Documentation Which May Be Required
To ascertain if you are qualified, the embassy or the consulate may request additional documents from you. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:-

The purpose of your trip;

Your intent to depart the U.S. after your trip; and/or

Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Other documents the consular officer may request.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application. In most of the cases, the administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your study may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas. Your school must issue them an individual Form I-20, which is required to apply for their visas. You must provide a copy of your F-1 or M-1 visa and provide proof of relationship

Effective immediately, U.S. embassies and consulates will adjudicate visa applications that are based on a same-sex marriage in the same way that we adjudicate applications for opposite gender spouses. Please reference the specific guidance on the visa category for which you are applying for more details on documentation required for derivative spouses. For further information about visas for same-sex spouses, please see the FAQ's.

Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States while accompanying you.

Students who are authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT, and apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When authorized, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to the eligible F-1 student's area of study. To learn more about OPT, please visit the USCIS Website and the ICE International Students webpage.

Travel Authorization

What is a travel authorization?

To strengthen the security of travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, requirements to travel visa-free have been enhanced. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries will still be eligible to travel without a visa but will have to obtain an approved travel authorization prior to their travel to the United States.

Here is how the travel authorization process works:

The Department of Homeland Security and the United States Customs and Border Protection have provided a secure public Web site with an automated form for you, or a third party, to complete in order to apply for a travel authorization. Once you enter the required biographic, travel, and credit card information on the secure Web site, your application is processed by the system to determine if you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa. The system will provide you with an automated response, and prior to boarding, a carrier will electronically verify with the United States Customs and Border Protection that you have an approved travel authorization on file.

Who is required to have a travel authorization?

All passengers traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are required to have an approved travel authorization prior to traveling to the United States by air or sea. Even non-ticketed infants are required to have an approved travel authorization, if they do not have a visa for travel to the United States. An application may be submitted by a third party on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program traveler.

Does a travel authorization guarantee me admission to the United States?

If your electronic travel authorization is approved, this approval establishes that you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, but does not guarantee that you are admissible to the United States. Upon arrival in the United States you will be inspected by a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry who may determine that you are inadmissible under the Visa Waiver Program or for any reason under United States law.

Is a travel authorization a visa?

No, an approved travel authorization is not a visa. It does not meet the legal or regulatory requirements to serve in lieu of a United States visa when a visa is required under United States law. Individuals who possess a valid visa will still be able to travel to the United States on that visa for the purpose for which it was issued. Individuals traveling on valid visas are not required to apply for a travel authorization.

How long is my travel authorization valid?

Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The Authorization Approved screen displays your travel authorization expiration date.

When do I need to apply for a travel authorization?

Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel. Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Can prospective travelers apply to ESTA for a travel authorization without specific travel plans if they want to be able to travel to the United States on short notice?
Visa Waiver Program travelers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the United States before they apply for a travel authorization. If a traveler’s destination address in the United States is unknown when he or she completes the application in ESTA for the travel authorization, the traveler should enter the name of the hotel or approximate location he or she intends to visit. Travelers may update this information when their plans are finalized, but they will not be required to update their destination addresses or itineraries should they change after their travel authorization has been approved. DHS recommends that applications for travel authorization be submitted in ESTA as early as possible, as soon as, or even before travel is planned. ESTA will accept applications from last minute and emergency travelers – those Visa Waiver Program travelers that arrive at the airport without an approved ESTA.

Do nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program require travel authorization if they are only transiting the United States in route to another country?
Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program require either a travel authorization or a visa to transit the United States. If a traveler is only planning to transit through the United States en route to another country, when he or she completes the travel authorization application in ESTA, the traveler should enter the words "In Transit" and his or her final destination location in the address lines in the Address While In The United States field on the application.

Can a Visa Waiver Program traveler with more than one passport travel to the United States on the passport that he or she did not use when applying for a travel authorization?
No. Each Visa Waiver Program traveler must have an approved travel authorization for the passport they plan to use before they travel to the United States. If a traveler obtains a new passport, they must submit a new travel authorization application in ESTA using the new passport. A processing fee will be charged for each new application submitted.

If a Visa Waiver Program traveler has received a travel authorization approval through ESTA, does he or she need to fill out an I-94W?
The implementation of the ESTA program allowed DHS to eliminate the requirement that Visa Waiver Program travelers complete an I-94W prior to being admitted to the United States. CBP has transitioned to paperless processing for Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving by air or sea who have obtained a travel authorization. Most carriers are now capable of receiving and validating messages pertaining to the traveler’s ESTA status as part of the traveler’s boarding status. Travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program who have an approved travel authorization will no longer be given a green I-94W departure coupon in their passport.

What should I do if I am not approved for a travel authorization?
If you receive a Travel Not Authorized response to your travel authorization application, but wish to continue with your travel plans, please visit the United States Department of State Web site at www.travel.state.gov for additional information about applying for a visa. The denial of a travel authorization only prohibits travel under the Visa Waiver Program and is not a determination of eligibility for a visa to travel to the United States. In the event you are not approved for a travel authorization, no court shall have jurisdiction to review an eligibility determination under ESTA.

Why is authorization under ESTA required for United States-bound travel under the Visa Waiver Program?
The "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007" (9/11 Act) amended Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), requiring that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implement an electronic travel authorization system and other measures to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA adds another layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.

Visa Waiver Program

What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program allows foreign nationals from certain countries to travel to the United States for business or pleasure, for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers admitted under the Visa Waiver Program must agree to waive their rights to review or appeal, as explained in the Waiver of Rights section of the Application screen. See who is eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program? for further information.

For further information refer to § 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1187, and 8 C.F.R. § 217.

[1]With respect to all references to "country" or "countries" in this document, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that "[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan." 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to "country" or "countries" in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States' one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

Who is eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program?
You are eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if you:

Intend to enter the United States for 90 days or less for business, pleasure or transit

Have a valid passport lawfully issued to you by a Visa Waiver Program country

Have authorization to travel via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization

Arrive via a Visa Waiver Program signatory carrier

Have a return or onward ticket

Travel may not terminate in contiguous territory or adjacent islands unless the traveler is a resident of one of those areas

Are a citizen or national of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries listed below:

[1] With respect to all references to "country" or "countries" in this document, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that "[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan." 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to "country" or "countries" in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States' one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

Establish to the satisfaction of the inspecting United States Customs and Border Protection officer that you are entitled to be admitted under the Visa Waiver Program and that you are not inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Waive any rights to review or appeal of the admissibility determination of the United States Customs and Border Protection officer, or contest, other than on the basis of an application for asylum, any removal action arising from an application for admission under the Visa Waiver Program.

Reaffirm, through the submission of biometric identifiers (including fingerprints and photographs) during processing upon arrival in the United States, your waiver of any rights to review or appeal of the admissibility determination of the United States Customs and Border Protection officer, or contest, other than on the basis of an application for asylum, any removal action arising from an application for admission under the Visa Waiver Program.

Obtain an Authorization Approved determination following a travel authorization application.

Not pose a threat to the welfare, health, safety, or security of the United States.

Have complied with all conditions of any previous admission under the Visa Waiver Program.

What are the passport requirements for travel under the Visa Waiver Program?

Visa Waiver Program requirements are:

The passport must have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page.

Issued on or after October 26, 2005 – Each Visa Waiver Program passport issued on or after this date must have a digital photo.

Issued on or after October 26, 2006 – Each Visa Waiver Program passport issued on or after this date must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner.

EXCEPTION: To be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, persons presenting United Kingdom passports must possess the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man

EXCEPTION: Citizens and nationals of Slovenia may use only the red cover Slovenian passport for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Citizens of the following Visa Waiver Program countries are required to present electronic passports:

Czech Republic

Estonia

Slovakia

Hungary

Latvia

Lithuania

Republic of Malta

South Korea

Greece

Citizens from Visa Waiver Program eligible countries must present a machine-readable passport unless they are from:

Czech Republic

Estonia

Slovakia

Hungary

Latvia

Lithuania

Republic of Malta

South Korea

Greece

A machine readable passport contains two lines of text with numbers and chevrons (<<<) at the bottom of the personal information page with the passport bearer's picture. Document requirements vary according to the date a passport was issued or renewed as follows:

Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended before October 26, 2005 have no additional requirements.

If a passport was issued or renewed/extended on or after October 26, 2005 and does not meet the following requirements, the traveler must obtain a visa:

1. Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after October 26, 2005 through October 25, 2006 must meet the following requirements: A digital photograph printed on the passport data page is required OR an integrated chip containing information from the data page (e-passport). A digital photo is one that is printed on the page, not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport.
2. Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after October 26, 2006 are required to be e-passports.

Taiwan passport holders must provide Passport Number and Personal Identification Number (PIN).

When must I obtain a visa to travel to the United States?

If you intend to arrive in the United States aboard a non-signatory air carrier.

If you intend to visit the United States for more than 90 days.

If you believe any grounds of inadmissibility of the Immigration and Nationality Act § 212(a) apply to you, you should apply for a nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. Although you may be inadmissible to the United States, you may qualify for a non-immigrant visa and waiver, which may allow you to travel to the United States.

If you are traveling to the United States for a purpose other than short-term tourism or business.

Are there disadvantages to using the Visa Waiver Program?
Before using the Visa Waiver Program, be aware of the following conditions that apply and carefully consider your options:

If you are admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you may not change or extend your non-immigrant status.

If your admission is denied, you have no right to appeal a determination as to admissibility.

If you are found to have violated the terms of your admission, you also have no right to review or appeal, other than on the basis of an application for asylum, any removal action arising from an application for admission under the Visa Waiver Program.

What if a Visa Waiver Program applicant is found to be inadmissible?
Travelers applying for admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program who are determined to be inadmissible to the United States will be denied admission and returned to their country of origin, or a third country from which the traveler holds a round-trip ticket, aboard the carrier on which the traveler arrived in the United States.

Why is authorization under ESTA required for United States-bound travel under the Visa Waiver Program?
The "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007" (9/11 Act) amended Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), requiring that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implement an electronic travel authorization system and other measures to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA adds another layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.

Step 5: Your Application Status

Authorization Approved. Your travel authorization has been approved and you are authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. A travel authorization does not guarantee admission to the United States; as a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry will have the final determination.

Travel Not Authorized. You are not authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. You may be able to obtain a visa from the Department of State for your travel. Please visit the United States Department of State Web site for additional information about applying for a visa. This response does not deny entry into the United States. This response only prohibits you from traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

Authorization Pending. Your travel authorization is under review because an immediate determination could not be made for your application. This response does not indicate negative findings. A determination will usually be available within 72 hours.

What information do I need to complete the application?Applicant Information

Field

Description

Birth Date, Day

Choose the day on which you were born. The day of birth is required to complete the application or to check the status of your application.

Birth Date, Month

Choose the month in which you were born. The month of birth is required to complete the application or to check the status of your application.

Birth Date, Year

Choose the year in which you were born. The year of birth is required to complete the application or to check the status of your application.

Country of Birth

Choose the country in which you were born. The country where you were born is required to complete the application.

Country Where You Live

Choose the country in which you reside. The country where you live is required to complete the application.

E-mail Address

Enter the e-mail address at which you can be contacted. The e-mail address is optional to complete the application. Your e-mail address is used to notify you 30 days before your ESTA application expires or if there is a change in your ESTA status. We highly recommend you fill in the e-mail address field.

Family Name

Enter your family name as the family name appears on your passport under the Family Name or Surname field. The family name is required to complete the application.

First (Given) Name

Enter your first (given) name as the first name appears on your passport under the First or Given Name field. Do not include the middle name in this field. First name is required to complete the application. If you do not have a first name, then enter the letters FNU which stands for First Name Unknown.

Sex

Choose your gender, either male or female. The sex (gender) is required to complete the application.

Telephone Number, Country Code

Choose the country code of the telephone number where you can be contacted. The country code and telephone number are optional to complete the application.

Telephone Number

Enter the telephone number where you can be contacted. The telephone number is optional to complete the application.

Passport Information

Field

Description

Passport Expiration Date, Day

Choose the day on which your passport expires, as it appears on your passport under the Expiration Date or Extension field. The day on which the passport expires is required to complete the application.

Passport Expiration Date, Month

Choose the month in which your passport expires, as it appears on your passport under the Expiration Date or Extension field. The month in which the passport expires is required to complete the application.

Passport Expiration Date, Year

Choose the year in which your passport expires, as it appears on your passport under the Expiration Date or Extension field. The year in which the passport expires is required to complete the application.

Passport Issuance Date, Day

Choose the day on which your passport was issued, as it appears on your passport under the Date of Issue field. The day on which the passport was issued is required to complete the application.

Passport Issuance Date, Month

Choose the month in which your passport was issued, as it appears on your passport under the Date of Issue field. The month in which the passport was issued is required to complete the application.

Passport Issuance Date, Year

Choose the year in which your passport was issued, as it appears on your passport under the Date of Issue field. The year in which the passport was issued is required to complete the application.

Passport Issuing Country

Choose the country of citizenship, as it appears on your passport. The passport issuing country is required to complete the application.

Passport Number

Enter your passport number as it appears on your passport. The passport number may contain numbers and/or characters. Please closely distinguish between the number zero and the letter O. The passport number is required to complete the application or to check the status of your application.

Choose the carrier name for the carrier on which you will be traveling to the United States, if your travel information is available. The carrier name is optional to complete the application.

Carrier Information, Flight Number or Vessel Name

Enter the flight number or vessel name for the carrier on which you will be traveling to the United States, if your travel information is available. The flight number or vessel name is optional to complete the application.

City Where You are Boarding

Enter the last city where you will board an aircraft prior to arriving in the United States on this trip. The city where the applicant will board is optional to complete the application.

Address While In The United States Information (OPTIONAL)

Field

Description

Address Line 1

Enter the number and street of the location where you will stay while in the United States. Do not include the city and state in this field. Address Line 1 is optional to complete the application.

If multiple locations are planned, enter the first address.

If the complete address is not known, enter the name of the hotel or location you will visit. You may update this information once confirmed.

If you are leaving the United States immediately and do not have an address, enter the words "In Transit" and your final destination location.

Address Line 2

Enter apartment, suite, unit, floor, building, or other, if appropriate. Do not include the city and state in this field. Address line 2 is optional to complete the application.

City

Enter the city of the address where you will stay while in the United States. The city is optional to complete the application.

State

Enter the state of the address where you will stay while in the United States. The state is optional to complete the application.

Help is provided for some of the "Do any of the following apply to you?" questions where the meanings are less clear:

Field

Description

A) Do you have a communicable disease; physical or mental disorder; or are you a drug abuser or addict?

Communicable Diseases
Under United States law communicable diseases of public health significance include:

Chancroid

Gonorrhea

Granuloma inguinale

Leprosy, infectious

Lymphogranuloma venereum

Syphilis, infectious stage

Tuberculosis, active

And others as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Physical or Mental Disorders
With regard to physical or mental disorders, answer ”Yes” to this question if:
(a) You currently have a physical or mental disorder and a history of behavior associated with the disorder that may pose or has posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others; or
(b) You had a physical or mental disorder and a history of behavior associated with the disorder that has posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others and the behavior is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior. Answer ”No” if:
(a) You currently have no physical or mental disorders; or
(b) You have or had a physical or mental disorder without associated behavior that may pose or has posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare of that of others; or
(c) You currently have a physical or mental disorder with associated behavior, but that behavior has not posed, does not currently pose nor will pose a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others; or
(d) You had a physical or mental disorder with associated behavior that posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others, but that behavior is unlikely to recur.Drug Abusers and Drug Addicts
Under United States law persons may not be admissible if they have been determined to be a drug abuser or drug addict.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(1)(A), and corresponding regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations.

B) Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance; or been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more; or been a controlled substance trafficker; or are you seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities?

Crimes involving moral turpitude - Such offenses generally involve conduct which is inherently base, vile, or depraved and contrary to the accepted rules of morality and the duties owed to persons or society in general. There are factors, such as the age of the offender or the date of the offense, that may affect whether an offense will be considered a crime involving moral turpitude for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2), § 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43) and corresponding regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations.

C) Are you seeking to work in the U.S.; or have you ever been excluded and deported; or been previously removed from the United States; or procured or attempted to procure a visa or entry into the U.S. by fraud or misrepresentation?

Individuals entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are admitted as non-immigrant alien visitors and may not seek employment in the United States. While Visa Waiver Program travelers may not seek employment in the United States, there are many classifications of non-immigrant and immigrant employment-sponsored visas for those who qualify.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(5).

D) Have you ever detained, retained, or withheld custody of a child from a U.S. citizen granted custody of the child?

Any alien who, after entry of an order by a court in the United States granting custody to a person of a United States citizen child who detains or retains the child, or withholds custody of the child, outside the United States from the person granted custody by that order, is inadmissible until the child is surrendered to the person granted custody by that order.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(10)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(10)(C).

E) Have you ever asserted immunity from prosecution?

With regard to immunity from prosecution, answer ”Yes” to this question if all of the following apply:
(a) you have committed a serious criminal offense in the United States as defined in 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1101(h), including any felony, at any time for which immunity from criminal jurisdiction was exercised; and
(b) as a consequence of the offense and exercise of immunity identified in (a), you have departed from the United States; and
(c) you have not subsequently submitted fully to the jurisdiction of the court in the United States having jurisdiction with respect to that offense.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(2)(E) and 101(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2)(E) and 1101(h).

Do travelers need to bring a paper printout of their travel authorization to the airport?
No. DHS will be able to communicate a traveler’s ESTA status to the carriers. However, DHS recommends that travelers print out the travel authorization application response in order to maintain a record of their traveler authorization application number and to have confirmation of their ESTA status.

Does a traveler ever need to reapply for a travel authorization through ESTA?
Yes, there may be instances when a new travel authorization via ESTA would be required. A new travel authorization may be required in any of the following circumstances:

The traveler is issued a new passport

The traveler changes his or her name

The traveler changes his or her gender

The traveler’s country of citizenship changes; or

The circumstances underlying the traveler’s previous responses to any of the ESTA application questions requiring a “yes” or “no” response have changed.

Travel authorization approvals will typically be granted for a period of two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. ESTA will provide validity dates upon approval of the application. Therefore, a traveler must apply for a new travel authorization when a prior ESTA authorization or an applicant’s passport expires. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted.

My travel authorization is valid for travel to the United States but will expire before I depart. Do I need to apply for a new one before my trip?
No. ESTA travel authorization needs only to be valid upon arrival in the United States.

What information can I update?
Prior to submitting an electronic travel authorization application with the required payment information, you can update all application data fields except the passport number and passport issuing country. Once an application is complete and submitted with all the required payment information, you can still update any one of the following fields:

E-mail address

Telephone number

Carrier Information

City where you are boarding

Address while in the United States

What should I do if the information on my passport has changed?
If you obtain a new passport or there is a change to your passport information, you must apply for a new travel authorization.

How can applicants correct a mistake on Passport Issuance Date or Passport Expiration Date after completing their travel authorization application in ESTA?
An applicant can update the Passport Issuance Date or Passport Expiration Date as long as the application has not been paid for. If an applicant enters the wrong Passport Issuance Date or Passport Expiration Date after having paid for the ESTA application, the traveler will need to re-apply for a new travel authorization. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted. The previous application will be canceled.

American Embassy in Belgrade, Afghanistan

Office Hours: 8:30-17:00, Mon-Fri (Except for American and Serbian holidays)

For emergency assistance outside of normal business hours, for example, a case involving the death, disappearance, or destitution of an American citizen, please call the Switchboard number to contact the after hours duty officer.

Office Hours: American Citizen Services:
Monday - Friday (except Wednesdays) from 8am to 12pm.
Visas
Monday - Friday from 8am to 4pm. All persons seeking U.S. visas require an appointment in advance.
The Embassy is closed for both Canadian and U.S. holidays.

Office Hours: The Consulate General of the United States of America operates from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday, except on holidays.
The Office of Consular Affairs, for all visa related queries, may be contacted from Monday through Friday, between 9:00 am and 12:00pm and between 2:00pm and 4:00pm.

American Embassy in Madrid, Spain

Office Hours: The Service is available to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Spanish time, Monday-Friday. From callers in Spain, the cost is 1.16 Euros per minute if you call from a landline telephone and 1,51 Euros per minute if you call form a mobile phone, including all taxes and costs. International callers will pay 10 Euros per transaction and they can charge to a Visa Card or MasterCard. In both cases, the first 20 seconds of the call are free.

Office Hours: The American Citizen Services are provided between 14:00 and 16:30 pm Monday to Thursday. You may call (90) (312) 455 5555 or fax us on (90) (312) 466 5684. You need to make an online appointment before you visit Online Appointment System
(Please do not call for any "Immigrant" or "Non Immigrant" visas related questions to the ACS unit! The ACS unit will not answer to visa inquiries.)
The Immigrant Visa: (90 - 312) 455 5555 between 10:30 - 12:00 Mondays through Thursdays. Fax: (90-312) 468 6103
Non-Immigrant Visa: (90 - 312) 455 5555 between 16:00 - 17:00 Mondays through Thursdays. Fax: (90-312) 466-1586

American Embassy in London, United Kingdom

Office Hours: Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Please note that the Consulate is not open for walk-in visa enquiries)
All offices are closed on Saturday, Sunday, and American, British and Northern Irish holidays

Office Hours: All offices are closed on Saturday, Sunday, and American, British and Northern Irish holidays
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Please note that the Consulate is not open for walk-in visa inquiries)

Office Hours: Open for application processing and services Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 09:00 am to 1:00 pm on a walk-in basis. Appointments are not required.
For after-hours emergencies for American Citizens please phone: [44] (0)122 485 7097

Applying for a visa is the most difficult part in the process of planning a trip abroad. After applying if the application goes wrong and the visa gets rejected/denied or delayed, you have the risk of losing or delaying your holiday.